Riyadh Forum Emphasizes the Need for Stronger Enforcement Against Organized Crime
At a major Riyadh forum on combating corruption, legal enforcement agencies were urged to surpass organized crime groups by “miles, not just steps” to prevent criminal alliances from forming and crossing borders.
Building Human Capabilities to Fight Corruption and Fraud
Abdulmajeed bin Abdullah Al-Banyan, president of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, highlighted the challenge of developing strategies to combat organized crime. He emphasized the need for individuals to gain superior knowledge and skills compared to criminal organizations that operate transnationally and use advanced technology to evade detection.
Focus on Economic Crime and Specialized Training Programs
Organized crime includes various illegal activities such as terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering, migrant smuggling, and human trafficking. Naif Arab University for Security Sciences identified a shortage of specialized training programs in economic crime in the Arab region compared to other parts of the world.
Efforts to Combat Economic Crimes and Enhance Capabilities
The university launched master’s programs in financial integrity, digital forensic investigation, and artificial intelligence to prepare experts in combating financial fraud and cybercrime. Additionally, a new program in forensic accounting is under consideration to detect fraudulent financial practices.
Partnerships and Collaboration in Combating Organized Crime
Naif Arab University for Security Sciences has established partnerships with organizations like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to support international efforts in combating organized crime, corruption, and money laundering. Experts emphasized the importance of national strategies and cross-border cooperation in fighting economic and financial crimes.
Keynote Speeches on National Strategies and Risk Assessment
Speakers at the forum stressed the importance of national strategies in reducing financial crimes and enhancing transparency in financial systems. Citizens were encouraged to participate in monitoring and reporting crimes while receiving reinforcement training to combat financial crimes effectively.
Stability and Community Participation in Combating Corruption
Political and economic stability play a crucial role in preventing the rise of financial crimes. Combating corruption and financial crimes is not solely the responsibility of legal institutions but requires the participation of various societal sectors to create a united front against these illegal activities.